NBA Draft: 5 wings Cavs could take if they keep first-round pick

NBA Draft: 5 wings Cavs could take – Nikola Jović, Mega

The Cleveland Cavaliers may find themselves looking to move Lauri Markkanen to use his salary in a deal for another player. If that is the case, they could go into the 2022 NBA Draft and effectively draft his replacement, 6’10” Serbian forward Nikola Jovic.

That’s right Jovic, with a ‘v’, not Nikola Jokic, reigning MVP. Jovic is 18 years old and has an elite shooting stroke, although the percentage has waxed and waned. He has significantly more skill than Markkanen, a plus passer at his height (he’s no Jokic, but still) and the combination of his size, passing and shooting should make him a deadly pick-and-roll partner for Garland or the team’s other guards.

Defensively Jovic has some of the same question marks as Lauri Markkanen. Can he move his feat fast enough to survive on the perimeter as a 3? That remains to be seen. His lack of athleticism is common for players of his size coming from Europe, but playing in front of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen would allow him to contest shots and go for steals without worrying as much about being blown by.

The Cavs hope to make the playoffs, but the possibility of hitting the lottery once again looms over their shoulder. If so, there is plenty to be excited about, as this draft could allow them the chance to finally address the small forward position. Which of these five players would be at the top of their board?